Book Review for: Technology And The School Library

I found Technology And The School Library written by Odin L. Jurkowski to be very informative and is a great resource to keep on your bookshelf. This book would be beneficial for new school librarians as well as existing school librarians alike. Jurkowski's book is categorized into five sections including: Information Tools, Information Resources, From the Library to the Classroom, Technology Administration in the School Library, and Technology and the Teaching Component. Each section offers overviews, resources available, information concerning various types of equipment, and how to create and effective and efficient school library.

The first section of Technology And The School Library provides details about information tools including hardware, software, and networks that will help school librarians make appropriate choices for their library. Everything from computers, scanners, printers, operating systems, antivirus, spyware, wired and wireless networks, thin clients, etc. are covered in this section on information tools.

The second section of the book discusses information resources including educational software, Internet, and school library websites. Issues with, types of, and evaluations for educational software and websites are covered in this section. Tips and ideas for creating an effective school library website are also discussed in the second section.

The third section that Jurkowski covers in his book is that concerning taking information from the library to the classroom. Equipment and classroom support are the main topics in this section. The whole idea of having understanding of the equipment available in the school and how the librarian can provide support and training for this equipment is becoming a key role for school librarians.

Section four discusses technology administration in the school library which includes automation, student computers, security systems, and technology plans. Jurkowski explains that school librarians need to understand the various types of technology, determine needs, have knowledge of funding, and how important planning is to adequately operate a school library. Also in this section is details about the number of computers needed and guidelines for arrangements of the computers. Security systems and the necessity for them are covered in this section also. Finally, technology plans including an explanation of what they are, the process for creating and writing a plan, and the difference between a good versus a bad technology plan are included.

The final section, section five, covers technology and the teaching component. Professional development, instructional handouts and materials, and Web 2.0 are all mentioned in this final section of Technology And The School Library. Jurkowski encourages school librarians to, "Use professional development as an opportunity to make the library even more visible." When school librarians share their knowledge with other teachers and students this can create a great environment in the school and provide others with the knowledge they need to find information. This section also points out how beneficial it is for school librarians to create, provide, and display instructional handouts and materials in a printed format. Lastly, Web 2.0 along with a description of what it is, the uses for it, and the various types of tools available within this form of technology are covered.

I would certainly recommend Jurowski's book, Technology And The School Library, as a necessary resource for all school librarians. This book is full of explanations, information, and resources that are important to being an effective school librarian. Jurowksi has also provided checklists, diagrams, and additional websites that should be helpful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and felt as though I gained a lot of insight to becoming a productive school librarian.